And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Peace-bringing God,
We have all been there,
whether in the waiting room
while a loved one undergoes a big surgery
or in a living room
hearing the news that a loved one is battling an addiction
or in a boss’s office
wondering if we’re about to get the axe…
in short, in a place that induces fear and anxiety.
In such places, we desperately need to know your peace,
“the peace of God.”
What is it like?
First of all, it is your peace.
It belongs to you,
and it characterizes you.
Would the God who created the universe
ever be found wringing his hands over what-if’s?
We don’t think so.
You are
the all-knowing
and all-powerful
Creator and Ruler of the universe.
Second, it is a surpassing peace.
It’s far more soothing
than the scent of a lavender candle.
Third, it is a peace
that surpasses all understanding.
It is a puzzling peace,
a seemingly impossible peace given the situation.
Finally, it is a peace that comes
from being “in Christ Jesus.”
It is the saving peace
of knowing our foundation
is sure and unshakeable.
Oh, Father,
wherever we are today,
grant us this surpassing peace.
In Jesus’ peace-bringing name. Amen.
Read Philippians 4:4-9.
Friends, this prayer is an excerpt from my devotional From Recovery to Restoration: 60 Meditations for Finding Peace & Hope in Crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, be sure to check it out.
